Searching for success: the relationship between information technology andbusiness process reengineering

Productivity and cost performance within the UK construction industry must improve substantially if the demands of the industry's clients are to be me t. Experience also dictates that this must be accomplished without compromi sing standards of quality and individuality. One way to achieve this goal w ould be for designers, suppliers, specialists and clients to work together and adopt an integrated strategy for business process improvement and chang e. This paper will discuss the application of the concept of business proce ss reengineering and outlines a methodology whereby this can and has been a chieved in construction. The relationship between information technology (I T) and BPR for construction projects is subsequently developed. Following t his is a description of clients' perceptions, detailing their views on the potential for IT within the construction process. The key factors which IT must address if it is to become accepted within a construction project foll owing the reengineering process are discussed. Finally, if the strategy for sustainable performance improvement were to be widely adopted, the implica tions for the industry are discussed and key recommendations are posited.